Cameron takes Tories to biggest lead over Labour in 15 years

The Tories have jumped to a three-point lead over Labour, after trailing the Government by 11 points a month ago.

A poll published today puts Conservative support at 41 per cent, Labour at 38 and the LibDems at just 11.

Rising faith in David Cameron, coupled with slumping personal ratings for Gordon Brown, helped fuel the turnaround in the YouGov poll for the Daily Telegraph.

The number believing Mr Cameron is proving 'a good leader' has almost doubled since last month from 21 per cent to 40 per cent. And almost half of those surveyed (48 per cent) say they are dissatisfied with the Prime Minister.

In a similar poll on September 29, the Conservatives trailed Labour by 11 points.

But a pledge by Shadow Chancellor George Osborne to raise the inheritance tax threshold - and Mr Brown's apparent U-turn on calling a general election --seem to have swayed voters.

Because of the complexities of electoral maths, the latest result would not give the Tories an overall majority in Parliament if an election were called tomorrow.

However, breaking through the 40 per cent barrier is seen as "psychologically significant" by the party.

Brown's decision not to proceed with an autumn election appeared to have damaged his reputation, with more people now finding him indecisive (44 per cent) than decisive (38 per cent).

The Liberal Democrats also suffered another blow as their poll rating dropped again after ditching Sir Menzies Campbell as leader amid concerns over poor recent showings.

A 15 per cent rating in September fell to 11 per cent this month as Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne began the battle to succeed Sir Menzies.